Stranger's kindness funds pilgrim's dream

By Narayan Bareth BBC correspondent in Jaipur

An Indian man who says he is 132-years-old can now afford to complete his only unfulfilled dream - to visit the Muslim holy place of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Habib Miyan should now be able to make his once-in-a-lifetime Haj pilgrimage after a UK-based businessman instructed a transfer of 270,000 rupees ($5,700) be made to his bank account in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Habib Miyan said words could not express his happiness at the news

The sum covers the cost of Mr Miyan's two grandsons travelling with him as he is blind.

Mr Miyan, who lives in the Muslim neighbourhood of Jaipur with 32 relatives, said words could not express his happiness at the news and that he would thank God in his prayers.

A number of people were keen to help fulfil the old man's wish after reading his story on BBC News Online.

Khan, the 30-year-old company chairman from London who sent the money, said: "Helping Habib would be a great honour for me, I wish his dream to make a pilgrimage to Mecca would be fulfilled soon."

Akbar Murtaza, an investment banker from New York, was also deeply touched by Mr Miyan's story. Mr Akbar said he wanted to see Mr Miyan's ambition to go to Mecca realised.

"I know two British gentlemen came forward to finance his trip, but it would make the world of difference in my life if I could be part of financing Mr Habib's trip."

Details to be worked out

Sayeed Qureshi, a member of the Haj pilgrimage committee which worked out the cost of the trip, told the BBC he would work on making all necessary arrangements, including sending off Mr Miyan's application for the pilgrimage.

There is no dearth of nice people in this world

Sayeed Qureshi
Hajj committee member

"Habib does not know the people living in countries like the UK who have pledged to fulfil his dream, but said he was so grateful to them.

"There is no dearth of nice people in this world," he said.

Mr Miyan, who claims to be 132 (his pension book says 125), has limited mobility and lost his vision 50 years ago.

He has been drawing a pension since 1938, but relatives say he could not afford to pay for the trip.

Khan is an assumed name for the purpose of this article only.